Essay from Finland

Volunteering and city services are complementary activities, which increases the sense of community and prevent social exclusion. Voluntary work helps to support individuals or groups in need, extending the opportunity to associations to participate, influence and help. Voluntary support activity is a visible and important part of the social work of the society.

“Charity is the rent we pay for being here on earth” Marian Wright Edelman.

When someone donates a handful of time, the difference made is tremendous and it shapes a community for the better while the experience improves the person who donated the time, seeing how his contribution made a difference.
Citizen service is what makes a community, because it brings people together to work on a goal, Whether it is a fundraiser for the research to cure a disease that affects the whole world, or to help a local family who has fallen in a time of calamity, Community life is improved by aiding others and lending a helping hand to get a job done more effectively.

“The magnitude of our social problems will require that all citizens and institutions

Make a commitment to volunteering as a way of life and as a primary opportunity

Create needed change.”— George Romney, former Michigan governor.

When people donate their time, they give hope to someone who needs it. Ex. If a local family's house burnt down and a group of people hosted a benefit for them, that family's faith would be revived when they realized that people care. Although that family lost their house and their belongings, seeing how their own community wants to help would bring joy and show them that money isn't everything. This experience contributes to personal development, especially in areas such as self-fulfillment, self-confidence, and self-esteem which often flourish in the midst of volunteering experiences. The selfless act of volunteering provides a spiritual enhancement as well. Knowing that you made a positive impact on someone is an emotionally uplifting experience that can never be matched by money or fame.

‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’” Acts 20:35

According to kansalaisareena.fi More than a third (37%) of Finns participates in a voluntary activity. The participation rate is quite similar in different groups. The Kamppi and Kinapori volunteer service make a role model for us when it comes to the service for elderly homes.

- The Kamppi service center volunteer about 1000 hours per a month. This workload means that each day would be a full-time job for 6-7 people. With total of 350 volunteers.

- Kinapori service, volunteer about 800 hours of work per a month. This workload means that each day would be a full-time job for 5 people. With a total of 100 volunteers.

Health care alone is not enough for disabled elderly people living at home.  According to researchers, they need support for their mental well-being. Municipalities suggested that a volunteer be attached to the home care, for example, in cooperation with associations.

Donating time now will also aid in the future. Volunteering strengthens present skills and also shows an employer that an effort has been made to make an improvement. Such skills include communication skills, ability to work with others, ability to take direction and lead others, dedication and time management. 

Employers realize that as a volunteer you must be able to prioritize your schedule in order to devote time for activities that benefit others. When employers see active volunteer work on a resume, they are much more likely to hire such person. Employers are aware that most people who offer their time are conscientious, honest and hardworking individuals. Reasons for which we the Porvoo International college students are much grateful for the boost our school gives regarding these services.

Point College’s practical nursing students and vocational school of beauty, as well as, a baker confectioner students organized a dance for the elderly in the week 10/08/2014 at Attendo Laamanni nursing home residents. There were hairstyles and makeup for the elderly people. The idea came from the students themselves, and it became the most memorable moment of the year for the elderly people.

These are just few reasons why volunteering is important. Not only does it bring hope and happiness to people, but it also leads to spiritual and personal growth. It is an experience that cannot be bought with any amount of money.

“Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don’t have to have a

College degree to serve. You don’t even have to make your subject and your

Verb agree to serve… You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by Love. “— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.